Death toll from devastating Grenfell Tower fire rises to 79

Police have confirmed that the death toll from the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London has risen to 79.

Stuart Cundy, a Metropolitan Police Commander has said that five people have been identified thus far, with the rest of the missing ‘presumed dead.’

Speaking to the media he explained that the ‘awful reality’ of the situation was that it may not be possible to identify all of the victims, adding that some families have lost more than one relative.

Mr Cundy added that the death toll could rise further however they do not expect it to make as significant a jump as it has in recent days.

The devastation left inside Grenfell Tower. Pic: REX

Describing his own emotional experience of entering the building he said: ‘On Saturday I went in myself and went to the top floor. And it is incredibly hard to describe the devastation in some parts of that building.’

A minute’s silence was held at 11am today across Government buildings in the UK to remember all the victims of the tragedy, and the families who have been affected by the disaster.

Pic: REX

Five people reported missing in the aftermath of the blaze have been found safe and well and a further 17 are being treated in hospitals across London.